By Bavoriat Clara
The appointment of Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) heralds a new and inspiring chapter in the history of the Nigerian Air Force, one defined by intellectual depth, operational excellence, and a renewed commitment to airpower supremacy and national security.
Born on 20 February 1972 in Makurdi, Benue State, Air Vice Marshal Aneke hails from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. The son of Air Warrant Officer (Rtd) Sylvester Aneke and Mrs. Ngozi Aneke, his formative years were marked by discipline and purpose. His early education at Army Children School, New Cantonment ‘A’, Kaduna (1976–1982) and Government College, Kaduna (1982–1987) laid a solid foundation for a life of service and excellence.
He was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 40th Regular Combatant Course and was commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force as a Pilot Officer on 10 September 1993 a journey that has since been defined by brilliance, integrity, and steady advancement through merit and dedication.
An erudite scholar and strategic thinker, Air Vice Marshal Aneke holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the University of Calabar, and two Master’s Degrees one in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and another in Political Economy and Development Studies from the University of Abuja. He also obtained a Professional Certificate in Aviation Safety Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida, USA, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). His academic pursuits reflect a deep commitment to informed leadership and adaptive strategy in modern air operations.
Throughout his distinguished career, Air Vice Marshal Aneke has attended some of the most prestigious military institutions. He is an alumnus of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, where he completed both the Junior and Senior Staff Courses, and the United States Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies.
His career has been marked by excellence in both command and policy roles. He has served as Director of Policy, Director of Safety, Deputy Director of Operations at NAF Headquarters, Command Operations Officer, Tactical Air Command, and Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy. Until his appointment as Chief of the Air Staff, he was the Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Yenagoa, where he strengthened air mobility operations, enhanced joint force coordination, and improved NAF’s strategic responsiveness in multi-domain operations.
A highly accomplished pilot with over 4,359 flying hours, Air Vice Marshal Aneke is type-rated on multiple aircraft, including the Air Beetle 18, Dornier 228, Citation 500, Falcon 900, Gulfstream V, Gulfstream 550, and Hawker 4000. His operational experience spans domestic and international theatres from Operation Restore Hope in the Niger Delta to United Nations peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC), where he served as Chief of Air Operations, Kindu Region. His pivotal role in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions has significantly enhanced NAF’s counter-insurgency capabilities.
Decorated with numerous medals and honours including GSS, DSS, GSM, FCM, Psc, MSc, MIAD, MPEDS, and USAFWC, Air Vice Marshal Aneke is widely recognized as a refined officer, visionary leader, and consummate professional of exceptional integrity. His calm disposition, strategic foresight, and results-driven leadership style have earned him admiration across the Armed Forces of Nigeria and beyond.
As he assumes command as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke brings a wealth of experience, intellectual rigour, and operational dexterity qualities that will undoubtedly propel the Nigerian Air Force towards greater efficiency in addressing emerging security threats, terrorism, and insurgency. Under his stewardship, the Service is poised to deepen intelligence-led operations, strengthen airpower projection, and drive innovation in defence technology and human capacity development.
Air Vice Marshal Aneke is happily married to Mrs. Ngozi Enderline Aneke, and their union is blessed with three sons Chukwuebuka Kelvin, Ifeanyichukwu Brian, and Uchechukwu Jason. A man of discipline, humility, and deep faith, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke exemplifies the finest traditions of the Nigerian Air Force service, courage, and excellence as he leads the Force into a new era of smarter airpower and enduring national security.
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